In an exclusive conversation with Al Jazeera, Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob said that the Doha ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan marks a new beginning aimed at restoring peace along the border and fostering “mutual respect and good neighborliness.”
“The agreement states that both countries will resolve issues through dialogue, observe a complete ceasefire, respect each other’s sovereignty, and avoid supporting attacks,” Yaqoob said. He confirmed that another session will be held in Türkiye to review implementation and strengthen relations.
Expressing cautious optimism, the taliban Defence minister remarked, “We hope Pakistan will remain committed to what it agreed in Doha. This is a good beginning but if promises are not honored, problems will arise.”
However, analysts note that Yaqoob’s assurances contrast with continuing terror activities originating from Afghan soil and the Taliban’s reluctance to rein in groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Gul Bahadur network, both blamed for recent attacks inside Pakistan.
Commenting on relations with regional states, Yaqoob dismissed Pakistan’s allegations of Indian involvement in border tensions, saying Afghanistan maintains “independent relations with both India and Pakistan based on national interests and good neighborliness.” He emphasized that Kabul seeks improved ties, “not tensions.”
But observers point out that expansionist statements by Taliban officials and increased militant infiltration along the Durand Line undermine these diplomatic claims, challenging efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid echoed Yaqoob’s stance, accusing Islamabad of branding its internal opponents as terrorists. “Our policy has always been clear,” he said, “we do not support armed attacks against any state, including Pakistan, nor allow Afghan soil to be used for such acts.”
In response, Pakistani officials reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace, noting that while many countries shuttered their embassies in Kabul after 2021, Pakistan kept its mission open and advocated for Afghanistan’s international engagement.
A senior Pakistani official reiterated that Pakistan’s position is “rooted in international law any group shedding blood on our soil is a terrorist organization.” He emphasized that Islamabad believes in peace, not confrontation, urging the Taliban to fulfill their international obligations.
As tensions simmer, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar countered Yaqoob’s claim that Pakistan initiated the conflict, stating that the Pakistan Air Force targeted terrorist camps responsible for attacks inside Pakistan only after Kabul failed to curb cross-border militancy.
With another meeting set in Türkiye later this month, both sides face a critical test: whether Doha will become a foundation for sustained peace or yet another temporary pause in a long cycle of hostility and mistrust.
